Swine Flu in Perspective

The American Thinker ^ | May 02, 2009 | Frank S. Rosenbloom, M.D.

[Scanian]

Outbreak! was the title of the movie released in 1995 about an Ebola epidemic, inspired by news reports of outbreaks of the deadly virus in Africa. Some experts opined that "it could happen here" and that it was just a matter of time before Ebola would show up in the US. Never one to play along, I posted a sign in my office in 1996 that if Ebola broke out here I would move to Africa and live with the monkeys. I am still here.

In 2003 a horrible new disease was spreading out of Asia. SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Distress) had the potential to cause a worldwide pandemic. My waiting room looked like the inside of a Bombay bus during rush hour as crowds of patients impatiently waited for me to reassure them that the dripping nose they had was not SARS. After all, the WHO, the CDC and CNN all told them that doomsday was likely only weeks away.

"We are counting down to a pandemic," said Guan Yi, a professor at the University of Hong Kong who helped trace the outbreak of SARS in 2003.

I was seeing patients from 8Am until 6PM daily, then returning phone calls until late night, consoling poor souls who were sure they had seen their last days. I ended up with pneumonia, but unfortunately for me, it was not SARS and I had to keep working. Had I contracted SARS, at least I could have gotten some rest

[bossmechanic]

thanks for your rational overview.
Media Philosophy:
When in danger/when in doubt
Run in circles/scream and shout

[WesternPacific]

This years Swine Flu Outbreak is this government's attempt to recheck the citizens' intelligence and gullibility.

Conclusion: Yep, still a bunch of stupid sheep.

[djf]

This is the “New Coke” of epidemics.
Or maybe the “Brian Bosworth” of epidemics.

Either way, it’s sickening.
Or not.

So far, the survival rate of Americans who have been confirmed to have it is what, something like 100%?

Media news masturbation.

[Sender]

I have resigned myself to the unavoidable destruction that I will probably contract the swine flu soon. Our area is teeming with Mexicans just off the bus. My wife, bless her heart, is flying to Cancun for a mission trip. She's gonna get it too. We are both fodder for the pandemic.

What will this get me? 2 or 3 days off work with a good book. I'll roast the little bastard virii with red pepper and vodka, with a liberal dose of vitamins C and D and some good productive sleep.

Will we die? No. We will get the flu. Chicken soup is good. Don't forget about the good book while you're sick.